[Z06] track prep
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: STL
track prep
what do you guys recommend as far as track prep....what to do to get the car ready for a hard day at the track :steering: , and what to do to get it back on the road, running reliably as before
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,746
Likes: 2
From: St. james NY
Re: track prep (bursty)
are you talking about 1/4 track or road coarse?
Either way. Check and fill all fluids. For dragstrip I LIKE to lower rear tire psi to 20-22lbs. For the roadcoarse 30-32psi is good.
Either way. Check and fill all fluids. For dragstrip I LIKE to lower rear tire psi to 20-22lbs. For the roadcoarse 30-32psi is good.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: STL
Re: track prep (CraZee ZO6)
was mainly thinking of a roadcourse....didnt know if there was any prep to be done to the brakes, tires, any motor settings, etc. I know a roadcourse can be brutal on a set of brakes, and didnt know if there was any procedure to prevent premature wear?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 7
From: South Florida
Re: track prep (bursty)
I've seen someone (including myself) forget one of these at any given time.
Make a checklist of everything you'll need, go over it twice.
Check wheel spokes for stress cracks
Check brake pads for servicability.
Check all fluids and replace if you haven't yet for the season.
Don't run lighter than 10w30 synthetic oil in engine.
Top off air compressor/container.
Bring chalk to mark your tires (to read later)
extra lug nuts
lug key if using lock nuts
Jacking pucks
sunblock
water
food
ensure battery secure
check ball joint wear
torque wrench for lug nuts
knee pads if you're working on your own car
gloves
helmet
inspect restraint system
clean your car out of all junk that could fly around the cabin
tire pressure guage
sunglasses
proper tools for minor repairs
good shoes (not sandles)
hat to keep the sun off.
hand cleaner
cash, liscense, entry requirements
race tires
window cleaner
good gas in the tank
Make a checklist of everything you'll need, go over it twice.
Check wheel spokes for stress cracks
Check brake pads for servicability.
Check all fluids and replace if you haven't yet for the season.
Don't run lighter than 10w30 synthetic oil in engine.
Top off air compressor/container.
Bring chalk to mark your tires (to read later)
extra lug nuts
lug key if using lock nuts
Jacking pucks
sunblock
water
food
ensure battery secure
check ball joint wear
torque wrench for lug nuts
knee pads if you're working on your own car
gloves
helmet
inspect restraint system
clean your car out of all junk that could fly around the cabin
tire pressure guage
sunglasses
proper tools for minor repairs
good shoes (not sandles)
hat to keep the sun off.
hand cleaner
cash, liscense, entry requirements
race tires
window cleaner
good gas in the tank
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,969
Likes: 2
From: Lake Worth FL
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06 & '12
Re: track prep (bursty)
was mainly thinking of a roadcourse....didnt know if there was any prep to be done to the brakes, tires, any motor settings, etc. I know a roadcourse can be brutal on a set of brakes, and didnt know if there was any procedure to prevent premature wear?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Re: track prep (ZO6Lee)
Here's the minimum...
1. Check brake pads for at leat 50% life
2. Chage to a high temp fluid, I use Ford HD fluid (550 dry boiling point)
3. Check the air intake connections
4. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft/lbs
Go have fun
More....
5. Agressive brake pads (take an extra set of rotors! I cracked mine this weekend and glad I had spares)
6. Cooling to the front brakes.
7. Lower the car
8. Track allignment
9. Harnesses and a racing seat
Oh yeah put these w/ the basics
*change oils (motor, tranny, rear)
*overfill oil by 1 quart
1. Check brake pads for at leat 50% life
2. Chage to a high temp fluid, I use Ford HD fluid (550 dry boiling point)
3. Check the air intake connections
4. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft/lbs
Go have fun
More....
5. Agressive brake pads (take an extra set of rotors! I cracked mine this weekend and glad I had spares)
6. Cooling to the front brakes.
7. Lower the car
8. Track allignment
9. Harnesses and a racing seat
Oh yeah put these w/ the basics
*change oils (motor, tranny, rear)
*overfill oil by 1 quart
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 333
Likes: 14
From: Glendale CA
Re: track prep (bursty)
Also,
check /clean/ replace air filter
remove the plastic covers over the lug nuts and leave them at home (so they do not come off on the track and you don't loose them)
duct tape over the battery terminals (so they do not accidentally short out)
check /clean/ replace air filter
remove the plastic covers over the lug nuts and leave them at home (so they do not come off on the track and you don't loose them)
duct tape over the battery terminals (so they do not accidentally short out)
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 0
From: somewhere on a roadcourse
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: track prep (bursty)
everything these guys said!
I try to leave everything at home (floor mats, compartment covers, EVERYTHING from inside the vette!), but I also bring a trash bag to put things in-just in case it rains
I try to leave everything at home (floor mats, compartment covers, EVERYTHING from inside the vette!), but I also bring a trash bag to put things in-just in case it rains
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Re: track prep (levettegrl)
Oh yeah... use a bra if you have it, or do what I do... go get some 3m painters tape to cover the fenders and quarters so they don't get chiped to hell (see sig).
Another thing you can do is remove the plastic engine covers when tracking the car. It'll let the car cool down a bit easier when your chillen'. Also, you can ealsiy inspect your plug wires and manifolds/headers etc.
And when everyone says take everything out of their car they mean EVERYTHING. This includes the mats, stuff in the center console, glove box, and the change tray (ash tray).
Another thing you can do is remove the plastic engine covers when tracking the car. It'll let the car cool down a bit easier when your chillen'. Also, you can ealsiy inspect your plug wires and manifolds/headers etc.
And when everyone says take everything out of their car they mean EVERYTHING. This includes the mats, stuff in the center console, glove box, and the change tray (ash tray).
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Minnetonka MN
Re: track prep (bursty)
bursty- You might also want to check out the Autocrossing & Roadracing section on the forum. You will find some good recommendations posted there.
Have fun!
-Dadzer
:steering:
Have fun!
-Dadzer
:steering:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
Re: track prep (bursty)
try http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=673766
There is lots of info here for the newbe to road racing.
Jim :thumbs:
There is lots of info here for the newbe to road racing.
Jim :thumbs:
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Little Rock AR
Re: track prep (Cobra4B)
I have one question related to this track preps ... I have always thought overfilling the engine with oil was big no no .. I know why you do it but does it not do harm under normal driving conditions? Do you have to remove for the normal road?
:confused:
:confused:
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 333
Likes: 14
From: Glendale CA
Re: track prep (Ultra)
GM instructions in this case are clear. When racing add 1 additional quart.
Apparently with the increased RPMS extra oil collects in the upper end of the engine resulting in a borderline low oil condition in the pan which can potentially result in sucking air which disastrous results.
You are supposed to remove the extra quart for continued driving, though others have said that this is not essential since the pan is deep enough that the extra oil will not be whipped up by the crankshaft.
This is the reason you do not over-fill with oil. If the oil in the pan rised to the crankshaft level then the rotation of the crank can whip up the oil into a foam, which also cannot be pumped and can cause a dry oil condition.
Apparently with the increased RPMS extra oil collects in the upper end of the engine resulting in a borderline low oil condition in the pan which can potentially result in sucking air which disastrous results.
You are supposed to remove the extra quart for continued driving, though others have said that this is not essential since the pan is deep enough that the extra oil will not be whipped up by the crankshaft.
This is the reason you do not over-fill with oil. If the oil in the pan rised to the crankshaft level then the rotation of the crank can whip up the oil into a foam, which also cannot be pumped and can cause a dry oil condition.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,032
Likes: 9,790
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: track prep (bursty)
I run regular Mobil 5- 30 with no problems.
Do make sure you put the extra quart of oil in the engine. It not only works on LS1/6s it works on the older engines also.
Bleed the brakes with a good brake fluid like the Ford Super Duty Dot 3 stuff. It has a dry boiling point of 550 degrees. Don't worry about the wet boiling point the next time you go you bleed again anyways.
Make sure you have more than 50% of the brake pads left. If you have new brake pads make sure you do something to bed them in a little. I have seen people come to the track with pads just installed the day before and then have them crumble from the abuse.
Make sure lug nut torque is set to 100 ft lbs. Do not recheck at the track unless the wheels and bearings are cold.
Bill
Do make sure you put the extra quart of oil in the engine. It not only works on LS1/6s it works on the older engines also.
Bleed the brakes with a good brake fluid like the Ford Super Duty Dot 3 stuff. It has a dry boiling point of 550 degrees. Don't worry about the wet boiling point the next time you go you bleed again anyways.
Make sure you have more than 50% of the brake pads left. If you have new brake pads make sure you do something to bed them in a little. I have seen people come to the track with pads just installed the day before and then have them crumble from the abuse.
Make sure lug nut torque is set to 100 ft lbs. Do not recheck at the track unless the wheels and bearings are cold.
Bill
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 634
Likes: 0
From: van down by the river NC
Re: track prep (Bill Dearborn)
Everything stated above is great info, you might also want to bring or do the following.
Glass cleaner and paper towels.
Go to a sign shop and get some cling-on vinyl # made to put on the front and rear windshield.
Run with your heater on high.
When you park your car in the paddock do not set the emergency brake.
Keep your oil temp displayed on the dic and back off when it gets to 300 deg.
Leave your hood open to help cool it and check all your fluid levels between sessions.
Listen to your instructor.
Set the cruise control to the posted speed limit on the way home. 55mph feels like a crawl after spending the day at the track.
Have fun:steering:
Glass cleaner and paper towels.
Go to a sign shop and get some cling-on vinyl # made to put on the front and rear windshield.
Run with your heater on high.
When you park your car in the paddock do not set the emergency brake.
Keep your oil temp displayed on the dic and back off when it gets to 300 deg.
Leave your hood open to help cool it and check all your fluid levels between sessions.
Listen to your instructor.
Set the cruise control to the posted speed limit on the way home. 55mph feels like a crawl after spending the day at the track.
Have fun:steering:
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,969
Likes: 2
From: Lake Worth FL
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06 & '12
Re: track prep (Dashzo6)
Set the cruise control to the posted speed limit on the way home. 55mph feels like a crawl after spending the day at the track.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 0
From: somewhere on a roadcourse
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: track prep (Dashzo6)
Everything stated above is great info, you might also want to bring or do the following.
Glass cleaner and paper towels.
Go to a sign shop and get some cling-on vinyl # made to put on the front and rear windshield.
Run with your heater on high.
When you park your car in the paddock do not set the emergency brake.
Keep your oil temp displayed on the dic and back off when it gets to 300 deg.
Leave your hood open to help cool it and check all your fluid levels between sessions.
Listen to your instructor.
Set the cruise control to the posted speed limit on the way home. 55mph feels like a crawl after spending the day at the track.
Have fun:steering:
Glass cleaner and paper towels.
Go to a sign shop and get some cling-on vinyl # made to put on the front and rear windshield.
Run with your heater on high.
When you park your car in the paddock do not set the emergency brake.
Keep your oil temp displayed on the dic and back off when it gets to 300 deg.
Leave your hood open to help cool it and check all your fluid levels between sessions.
Listen to your instructor.
Set the cruise control to the posted speed limit on the way home. 55mph feels like a crawl after spending the day at the track.
Have fun:steering:
good catch on the list! wow, all things I am sure we all do naturally just didn't think to post.
that is SO true about the emergency brake, and I also try to run a slow lap around the area and let things cool down even after the last slow lap on the track